Jim Fuhrmann, Beinfield Architecture PC
Inspiration for a mid-sized white two-story wood exterior home remodel in New York

Scott Feuer
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.

Inspiration for a modern family room remodel in Denver

This welcoming front yard is inviting to the local pollinators too! Ecoscape has worked with this family over several years to make improvements all over the property.

Home design - rustic home design idea in Boston

Mountain style home design photo in Boston

Patio - mid-sized transitional backyard concrete patio idea in Sacramento with a fire pit and no cover

The Frick Environmental Center is project of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, with national architecture firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Pittsburgh office leading a team comprising artists, environmental restoration specialists, and engineers, and Pittsburgh-based construction firm PJ Dick bringing their experience with over 50 LEED-certified buildings to the project. Working in close collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh, the Parks Conservancy will manage and operate the Frick Environmental Center and the surrounding 115 acres of the Frick Nature Reserve portion of Frick Park.

Mountain style home design photo in Boston

Inspiration for a rustic pool remodel in Boston

Example of a mountain style pool design in Boston

The Frick Environmental Center is project of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, with national architecture firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Pittsburgh office leading a team comprising artists, environmental restoration specialists, and engineers, and Pittsburgh-based construction firm PJ Dick bringing their experience with over 50 LEED-certified buildings to the project. Working in close collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh, the Parks Conservancy will manage and operate the Frick Environmental Center and the surrounding 115 acres of the Frick Nature Reserve portion of Frick Park.

Mountain style home design photo in Boston

Mountain style pool photo in Boston

Inspiration for a rustic home design remodel in Boston

A rain garden on the property line is shared by both neighbors and provides a beautiful solution to a common problem Design by Amy Whitworth Installation and Stonework by Stormwater Resource Group

Inspiration for a rustic pool remodel in Boston

Energy Efficiency: Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer. Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove. Integrated Design: From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity. Resource Efficiency / Conservation: Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time. Resiliency: Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design. Innovation: This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems. Community Impact: This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

Tiles in the Marrakech collection use traditional Mediterranean and arabesque designs to create a range that is evocative of Moroccan architecture and yet truly timeless. This is a truly stunning range of tiles that will add real atmosphere wherever they are used. Each tile is handmade, hand painted and then hand-antiqued to give an aged appearance.